​ Wales travel guides

Portmeirion Travel Guide

Portmeirion is one of north Wales’s treasures. This charming village looks like it belongs on the Tuscany coast, or perhaps the French Riviera, which is exactly what its creator intended. Built between 1925 and 1975 by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, this picture-perfect village gives visitors an idyllic fantasy against the backdrop of the mountains of Snowdonia.

Getting There

The village is located near the town of Porthmadog on the west cost of Wales, which can be reached via the A55 expressway that runs along the north Wales coast. Driving direct from our ferry port at Dover takes around 6 hours, or around 4 ½ hours from our port at Newcastle.

What to See in Portmeirion

The village itself features the wonderful creations of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, towers, domes, and rooftops rising above the estuary of the Afon Dwyryd, but Portmeirion isn’t just for show. There are shops, a spa, and award-winning restaurants, as well as places to stay.

You have the choice of one of the village’s self-catering cottages or the Hotel Portmeirion, each offering a unique and comfortable setting for your holiday. In the summer you can relax in the heated pool and watch the tide completely fill the wide Dwyryd estuary, with the hills and mountains of the Snowdonia National Park in the background.

Portmeirion is also famous for its pottery, sold all over the world in the finest shops. You’ll find a great selection in the gift shop, as well as other gifts, books, homeware and more in the various shops around the village. Portmeirion is also home to the Mermaid Spa, offering all sorts of relaxing and indulgent treatments, perfect for unwinding during your holiday.

The village is surrounded by lush woodland just waiting to be explored, and the nearby Castell Deudraeth offers another option for accommodation and dining out.

Staying in Portmeirion puts you in reach of some of north Wales’s best attractions and natural wonders, including the slate quarries at Blaenau Ffestiniog, which can be reached via the famous Ffestiniog Railway from nearby Porthmadog. Further north you have Snowdon itself, the highest mountain in England and Wales, which can be hiked up, or you can take the train from Llanberis all the way to the peak.

Why Visit Portmeirion?

Portmeirion is one of the most unique places in Britain, offering beautiful – and unexpected - architecture in a stunning natural setting.

The village itself offers plenty of delights for holidaymakers, from its colourful cottages and quaint shops to its elegant piazza, and the stunning views across Afon Dwyryd from the Quayside.

The village is open during the day for visitors, but you can also choose to stay in one of the idyllic cottages or the elegant Hotel Portmeirion.

This gives you a really special experience, and lets you enjoy Portmeirion at your leisure, as well as explore the local area.

Beautiful woodland surrounds the village, as well as gardens bursting with colourful and exotic flowers and trees, many planted in Victorian times.

There’s also the beautiful coastline of the Llyn Peninsula nearby, with great beaches and seaside towns such as Criccieth and Abersoch, and historic centres such as Harlech and Blaenau Ffestiniog within easy reach.

WE'RE AWARD WINNING​​

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It’s always a proud moment when you’re recognised for your good work, we’re honoured to have been named as Europe's and the World’s Leading Ferry Operator in the 2015 World Travel Awards. We've won these awards for 5 years running.​​